Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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614. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a ban on alcohol sponsorship for sporting events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9052/15]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I support the proposals recently approved by Government to reduce alcohol consumption and tackle alcohol misuse. The proposals are outlined in the Heads of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, published by the Minister for Health on 3 February. They include measures relating to pricing, availability, information and marketing of alcohol.

I had previously expressed concerns that a ban on sponsorship of sporting events by the alcohol industry would have negative impacts on the development and availability of sport and consequently on our efforts to maintain and increase sporting participation at local level.   

The Bill does not propose a ban on alcohol sponsorship of sporting events. It provides for the making of regulations governing such sponsorship.  I am happy to support this amended proposal.